Page 119 of House of Desire

“No, but I know you’ve had that ring in your pocket since she moved in. So maybe it’s time to put it on her finger.”

“Maybe it is,” I say, pulling out my phone. I dial a number I’ve had memorized. “Hey, I need your help.” Within an hour, I’m standing inside the brand-new Whimsical Whisk Bakery as Charlie comes striding in.

“This is absolutely stunning, best friend,” she says, taking in the space, making her way to the back to look around.

The space is incredible. The large windows allow the light from the setting sun into the shop. The herringbone pattern wood floor in a light honey color warms the space. A light green couch lines a wall, small tables set up in front of it. Bistro tables and chairs dot the floor, so people can hang out and enjoy the shop. The display sits on top of a L-shaped, white counter. Sitting on the back counter is a shiny espresso machine and various flavorings for Anya’s concoctions. But the back is where the true magic is.

Since Ryan Jade’s post, Anya’s business has exploded to the point where she was unable to keep up with demand without working her fingers to the bone. Not only that, but people started asking if she offered baking classes, something she’s always been interested in and that was when the idea took shape in my mind.

I wanted to create her dream bakery, and include space for classes.

Through the swinging back doors, the kitchen is easily double of the front space. In the back are four tables with six chairs each for classes. It’s wired with a camera and TV so the students will be able to see what she’s doing in great detail.

We also tripled all the equipment she had after guidance from Courtney based on their custom bakes wait list and the daily demand for their usual fare. She’ll be able to hire more bakers for the day-to-day items and focus her attention on the classes and the custom creations like she wants.

“It’s all thanks to you,” I tell her, hugging her as she comes back to me. Her help on the decorating has been invaluable and I know Anya will love it.

“I did nothing.” She waves away my thanks, but we both know it’s not true. “Why am I here? It doesn’t look like there are any finishing touches you need done.”

“I think it’s time I ask her to marry me.”

Her eyes fill with tears and she clasps her hands in front of her heart. “I think you’re right. What do you need from me?”

“I need a florist,” I tell her and she smiles.

“I’ll call Lorelei. She’ll know just the one.” She pulls out her phone and I know she will manage every detail for me.

Once everything is arranged, I head home, anticipation making me twitchy. The days stretch out before me. The countdown feels like it takes forever and is also no time at all. But finally, the day arrives.

My hands are shaking as I unlock the front door.

“Anastasia?” I call out, dropping my keys into the bowl on the entry table.

“Kitchen,” she calls, and I laugh. I should have known.

Her arms are full of ingredients as she turns from the fridge, kicking it closed.

“I hope that chicken and lemon risotto dish sounds good. I’ve been craving it all day.”

“Actually, I was thinking we could go out to dinner, tonight.”

“Oh, that sounds perfect. But tomorrow we are having chicken. That burger joint is doing a fundraiser for the local school band if we wanted to go there.”

I move around the island, opening the fridge door for her so she can put her armload of items back before I grab her and kiss her. I fall into the kiss, just like I have every kiss since she said she would be mine.

“We don’t have to go to dinner,” she says when she pulls back, her voice husky. It’s tempting, but the ring in my pocket needs to be on her finger.

“We’re going to go to dinner, not the burger joint, and then I’m going to bring you home and keep you up all night trying to break my record of number of orgasms I’ve given you in a night.”

Her skin stains the prettiest pink and my dick starts to harden and I almost want to skip it all and ask her right here. Almost. But I know Charlie would kill me after all the work she’s put in.

“That sounds like quite the plan.”

“I’m going to take a really quick shower. Go ahead and get changed.”

“What should I wear?”

“Something nice,” I say, kissing her again before heading back to our bedroom. I make quick work in the shower, and wrap a towel around my hips as I step from the enclosure.

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